The bu•ku Restaurant Group has been recognized for its thoughtful global wine program at bu•ku in downtown Raleigh, and now also at so•ca in Cameron Village and at the new bu•ku in Wake Forest. Led by Wine Director Troy Revell, who received his Level 2 Court of Master Sommeliers Certification in 2013 and his level 3 Wine Certification from Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) in 2017, along with co-owners Sean Degnan and Tony Hopkins,
the bu•ku restaurant group places as much importance on what’s in your glass as what’s on your plate.
“Offering thoughtful wine lists and pairings that are both accessible and adventurous, is extremely important to us, but none of this would matter if we didn’t have well-trained wine professionals on our team,” explained Degnan. “As a restaurant group, we’ve made wine training a priority, and offer it to every single member of our 120-person staff. We’re extremely proud that all of our Executive Chefs have now passed their Level 1 with the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as 11 more on our team, including 3 sous chefs, not to mention our Wine Director, who has received both his Level 2 CMS Certified Sommelier Certification and WSET’s Level 3 Wine Certification.”
This year, Revell expanded bu•ku’s wine selection in Raleigh from 40 to 128 bottles ($36-$150), with 19 additional offerings by the glass (from $8-$14), and 9 dessert wines ($6-$16). The bu•ku list reflects its global cuisine, featuring a wide selection from around the world including some unexpected options. “Divided into familiar and adventurous, our goal with this list is to be both educational and approachable, interesting and fun,” explained Revell.
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| I purchased this bottle to take home! SO good! |
so•ca, which recently celebrated its 1st anniversary, features over 60 wines by the bottle, with a strong emphasis on wines from South America, including
Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay, and includes ‘global’ classics as well, from Europe and the United States. 13 of the 19 wines-bythe-glass are from South America. “This may be the most diverse and progressive selection of South American wines in the Triangle,” said Revell, “the ideal complement to Chef Rodriguez’s vibrant Latin cuisine.”
To celebrate so•ca’s Wine Spectator award, Chef Rodriguez and Wine Director Troy Revell have collaborated to offer complimentary wine tastings (3-4 wines) in the bar
every Tuesday from 5 to 7pm. The tastings, which will occur weekly, are aimed to provide guests an opportunity to experience wines from Central or South America, alongside small tastings from the restaurant’s Latin-inspired kitchen. Following, guests are invited to dine and enjoy half-price bottles.
- Next wine dinner will be on September 27 with a winemaker
from Ricardo Santos
- ½-priced wine bottles every Tuesday
- Get more info on so•ca complimentary wine tastings in the bar from 5-7pm on Facebook
- They offer Friday Night Flights every week, where they feature 3 wines from a particular winery, which rotates monthly.
WINE DINNERS
I was thrilled to be invited to an amazing dinner and wine pairing at so•ca last week in
Cameron Village and I wanted to share about it to let people know about the delicious food and wine that is being artfully served right here in Raleigh. The dinner last week featured
Susana Balbo Winery, from the Lujan de Cuyo region of Argentina, with Chef Eli Rodriguez and Wine Director, Troy Revell. This five course substantial dinner was full of amazing flavors and creative ingredients! Sampling a range of wine from Argentina with each course was educational for me and we were encouraged to ask questions and learn more as we go. It was fun to be seated with others that appreciate unique wine and food and I enjoyed meeting several Raleigh foodies!
Below are some photos and details of each course, I hope you will be inspired to have a look at what so•ca is doing as well as bu•ku in downtown Raleigh and their newest location in Wake Forest!
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| Seated with great people at dinner! |
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| Wine Director - Troy Revell |
FIRST COURSE
Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho | Marinated tuna, yuca cracker, cured lemon, apricot salsa
PAIRED WITH: Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes '16 + Crios de Susana Balbo Rose '17 - ARGENTINA
SECOND COURSE - (my personal favorite!)
Torched Chilean Salmon | plum chutney, sweet potato puree, snap peas,
charred greens, cherry gastrique
PAIRED WITH: Vaglio 'Temple' Malbec '16 + Susana Balbo 'Signature' Malbec '15 -
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
THIRD COURSE
Duck Roulade | smoked parsnip puree, roasted baby carrots, aji panca-blackberry compote, black rice
PAIRED WITH: Vaglio 'Chango" Malbec Blend '16 + Ben Marco 'Expresivo' Malbec Blend '15 - Tupungato and Uco Valley, MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
FOURTH COURSE
Grilled Flank Steak | arugula chimichurri, confit pearl onion, trumpet mushroom, shaved radish,
black fruit demi-glace, asparagus
PAIRED WITH: Susana Balbo 'Signature' Cabernet '14 + Susana Balbo 'Brioso' Cabernet Blend '13 - MENDOZA, ARGENTINA (my personal favorite wines!)
DESSERT
Duality | Lemon cake, citrus jam, white chocolate, yuzu ice cream, chocolate cake,
cannoli shell, marscarpone, ganache
PAIRED WITH: Susana Balbo Late Harvest Torrontes '12 + Susana Balbo Late Harvest Malbec '16- MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
D E T A I L S
LOCATION: 2130 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC
HOURS: M-Th 4-10pm, Fri 4-11pm, Sat 11-11pm, Su 10-10pm
Brunch: 11-2pm Saturday / 10-2pm Sunday
FREE VALET PARKING EVERY DAY
